Biology at University of West Alabama
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
With $27,750 in debt against $30,019 in first-year earnings, University of West Alabama's biology program leaves graduates carrying nearly a full year's salary in loans—though this debt load is actually lower than what most biology students face nationally. The bigger concern is the earning power: while graduates here start just below Alabama's median for biology majors, they're significantly trailing the state's top programs. Athens State and UAH biology graduates earn over $6,000 more annually, a gap that compounds substantially over time.
The program does serve an important access mission—over half of students receive Pell grants—but families need to weigh that against the economic reality. Biology graduates from this program fall in the 40th percentile statewide, meaning six out of ten Alabama biology programs produce better-earning graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 is manageable compared to many degrees, but it's tight enough that students pursuing graduate school (common for biology majors) or those not immediately landing solid jobs could face strain.
Important caveat: these numbers come from a small sample, so individual outcomes may vary considerably. For students committed to pre-med or graduate school, the lower debt here compared to pricier options might actually be strategic. But for those planning to work directly after graduation with a bachelor's degree, the top-third of Alabama biology programs offer noticeably better starting positions.
Where University of West Alabama Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of West Alabama graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of West Alabama graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 36th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Alabama | $30,019 | — | $27,750 | 0.92 |
| Athens State University | $36,907 | — | $21,187 | 0.57 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $36,775 | $43,133 | $25,000 | 0.68 |
| Jacksonville State University | $33,236 | $40,744 | $22,000 | 0.66 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | $31,385 | $41,273 | $31,000 | 0.99 |
| University of North Alabama | $30,593 | $36,124 | $21,250 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens State University Athens | — | $36,907 | $21,187 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville | $11,770 | $36,775 | $25,000 |
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville | $12,426 | $33,236 | $22,000 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery | $9,436 | $31,385 | $31,000 |
| University of North Alabama Florence | $11,990 | $30,593 | $21,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of West Alabama, approximately 54% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.